Ty Simpson is heading to Indianapolis this week for the NFL Draft Combine.
The Alabama quarterback is viewed as the No. 2 QB in this draft class behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. That makes this a pivotal week for Simpson’s draft stock.
Mendoza isn’t throwing at the Combine. He’ll save that for his Pro Day.
Simpson will participate in the throwing session, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
“(Simpson) will participate in the throwing session and do practically everything else here as far as testing other than running a 40 (yard dash). Big opportunity for Simpson to solidify himself as a first-round draft pick.”
The quarterback position carries extra weight in draft evaluations. With Mendoza expected to go first overall, Simpson has a real chance to make his mark.
If he’s truly the second-best quarterback available and impresses at the Combine, he could genuinely work his way into the middle of the first round.
A poor showing might create a quarterback wasteland after Mendoza comes off the board.
Simpson faces extra scrutiny because he started for just one season at Alabama. Several single-season starters in recent years have struggled to make impacts in the NFL.
Simpson clearly has NFL-level traits. The question is whether his lack of experience will cause problems at the next level.
NFL teams will be watching his Combine performance closely for answers.
To his credit, Simpson won’t be hiding from the spotlight. He’s going out there to prove himself on the field.
